India, Aug. 15 -- Indian football icon Bhaichung Bhutia on Friday questioned the AIFF's decision to pull out of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Cup to prioritise a high-profile friendly against Brazil, saying the reported Rs 50-70 crore expenditure on the marquee fixture was difficult to justify at a time when the country's club football is grappling with a financial crisis.

India will face the record five-time world champions in a friendly slated in Kolkata on October 3, with the All India Football Federation choosing the invitational fixture over participation in the FIFA ASEAN Cup following a scheduling clash.

Bhutia said he had no objection to Brazil coming to India for a "free friendly", but argued that spending crores on the match at a t...